Weekend & Day Trips from Glasgow, Scotland

1. South Ayrshire

People looking for long sandy beaches and rural villages in the scenic countryside will enjoy spending the day in South Ayrshire where there are many outdoor recreational opportunities. Visitors can reach South Ayrshire by train, car, boat, or plane. The area is known for the vast array of restaurants, bistros, bars, cafes, and farm-to-fork food served at most of them.

More than 1.4 million people visit South Ayrshire annually, making it a hot spot for tourism. Some of the best attraction in South Ayrshire include Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, Culzean Castle and Country Park, Ayr Racecourse, Gaiety Theater, and the Rozelle House and Maclaurin Galleries. Map

2. Burntisland

One of the best beaches in Scotland is found in Burntisland, a coastal resort town, perfect for family getaways and outdoor exploration among modern amenities. Visitors can enjoy a leisure center, crazy golf course, seaside park, rock pools, and high street where they can dine at top restaurants, pubs, and find bakeries, butcher shops, and the post office. People who are looking to explore the ancient history of Scotland can spend time at Rossend Castle which was built in the 12th century as well as the Mary Somerville House from the 16th century. Many events draw visitors from all over the United Kingdom including the Civic Week Parade, highland games, the annual fair, and the crowning of the Summer Queen on the Links. There are also exhibitions held at the local Heritage Trust and guided walking tours of the Burntisland.

3. Bute

People who want to spend a day on a Scottish island can take a short ferry trip over to Bute via the Firth of Clyde from Wemyss Bay.

Most visitors to the island spend the day at Rothesay where Victorian and art deco architecture combine. Rothesay Castle, Mount Stuart Home, Dunagoil Vitrified Fort, Print Point, and St. Blane’s Chapel are popular attractions on the island that is otherwise covered in rolling hills, moorlands covered in heather, and sandy beaches. Swimming, cycling, fishing, and kayaking are popular activities for visitors spending the day on Bute island.

4. Culzean Castle

Robert Adam’s designed the cliff-top architectural wonder that is Culzean Castle and Country Park. The grounds include 40 buildings amongst the hilltop castle. There are woods, beaches, ponds, and parks, around the castle grounds that can be explored by visitors. There are also military swords and flintlock pistols on display in the castle. Outside children can enjoy the Adventure Cove and Wild Woodland. The estate is opulent and was built to impress with formal gardens, swan ponds, and glasshouses with fruit trees. Several events happen at Culzean Castle throughout the year including Halloween and Christmas events, nature activity days, Mini Rangers survival challenges, and more. Culzean Castle

5. Dundee

The sunniest city in Scotland is Dundee, a place that is a UNESCO City of Design and full of history, science, and educational opportunities, as well as a vibrant arts community. Visitors to Dundee can explore the Broughty Castle Museum, McManus Art Gallery & Museum, HM Frigate Unicorn, RRS Discovery, the Dundee Contemporary Arts Museum, and much more. Visitors who love to go shopping will see pop-u markets at the City Center, WASPS Open Days in Meadow Hill, and other places where local artisans will sell their wares. The walkable city is also known for its eclectic shopping with name brands intermingled with boutiques and locally owned businesses. The Overgate Shopping Center is one of the best shopping centers in Scotland. Dundee

6. Edinburgh

Edinburgh is just one hour from Glasgow and the capital of Scotland. The old medieval town is mixed with Georgian New Town style and elegant gardens between neoclassical buildings. Edinburgh Castle looms over the entire city and stores famous Scotland crowned jewels and Stone of Destiny. The University of Edinburgh is also one of the best-ranked universities in the United Kingdom. Visitors can spend an entire day at each of these extraordinary attractions. The Castle is especially famous for tourists during holiday seasons, and annual festivals or public performances.

A large gift shop and two different cafes are also available the castle for visitors to enjoy. Other great attractions in Edinburgh include Palace of Holyroodhouse and Holyrood Abbey, The Royal Mile, Arthur’s Seat, Salisbury Crags, National Museum of Scotland, The Royal Botanic Garden, The National Galleries of Scotland, and St, Giles Cathedral.

7. Elie and Earlsferry

Elie and Earlsferry is a family-friendly coastal town with sandy beaches and watersports for every person in the family to enjoy in East Neuk of Fife. There is also an 18-hole golf course that requires players to use a periscope at one of the holes, as well as many hiking trails, and swimming at the Elie Ruby Bay and Elie Harbor. There are many restaurants, cafes, and shops located around the harbor and village, including Ardross Farm Shop, Carol’s Shop, The Kingcraig View Restaurant, Elie Deli, The Mirador Café, and others. The most notable landmark in the area is Lady’s Tower which was constructed in 1760 by commission of Lady Janet Anstruther to be used as a changing room and bathing tower. Elie and Earlsferry

8. Falkirk

Falkirk is found halfway between Edinburgh and Glasgow and features many attractions including the Falkirk Wheel, the only rotating boat lift in the world, and The Kelpies in The Helix Park which is the largest equine sculpture park in the world. The town center of Falkirk also features world-class shopping facilities, restaurants, and boutiques as well as historic sites and trails that you can follow to learn more about the most important spots in the city. Visitors can start their day at the Helix Visitor Centre to learn more about what Falkirk has to offer including where they can find the Outlander filming locations, where to rent bicycles, or how to explore the Bo’ness Heritage Trail.

9. Glencoe and Loch Leven

Glencoe and Loch Leven have all the things visitors imagine when they think about Scotland from highlands, lochs, kilts, whiskey, haggis, to castles, ruins, and outdoor adventures. Much of the landscape around Glencoe and Loch Leven is unchanged and undisturbed for centuries. The land is also the place of many historic moments such as the 1692 Glencoe Massacre, Burial Isles of Eilean Munde, and has served as the filming location for two Highlander movies, Braveheart, Rob Roy, Harry Potter, Monty Python, and several others. Golfing, local walking tours, and personal guided tours of Glencoe are also available. The area is also popular for winter sports recreation such as skiing, snowboarding, and more. Glencoe and Loch Leven

10. House of Bruar

The House of Bruar is Scotland’s premier country-style clothing specialty retailer. Their high-performance outdoor wear is perfect for the Scottish weather and including elegant sweaters and blouses, jackets, luxury textiles, and more for both men and women. The retail shop sells garments made under their own House of Bruar label as well as carries other major designer labels such as Jack Wolfskin and Barbour. Not only can visitors shop all day at The House of Bruar, but there is also a House of Bruar Restaurant and House of Bruar Gallery. The gallery features Scottish animal and landscape paintings, and the restaurant serves traditional Scottish foods. There is also an award-winning butcher onsite and The Delicatessen.

House of Bruar, Perthshire, Scotland, PH18 5TW